Master Wycliffe's Summons (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon)
Master Wycliffe's Summons (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon) book cover

Master Wycliffe's Summons (The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon)

Paperback – October 22, 2021

Price
$10.74
Format
Paperback
Pages
240
Publisher
Lion Fiction
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-1782643470
Dimensions
5 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
Weight
8.5 ounces

Description

'Mel Starr has done it again with another brilliant Sir Hugh de Singleton medieval mystery to keep readers guessing until the very end. […] I was there at the Queen’s College, dining on pottage, getting soaked in the rain in fourteenth-century Oxford – Mel always draws you into the experience.' Toni Mount , author of the Sebastian Foxley murder mystery series Book Description Sir Hugh de Singleton is spurred into action when one of Master John Wycliffe's scholars is found dead after a thunderstorm. Was he stuck by lightning, or was there something more sinister to his death? One of Master John Wycliffe’s scholars is found dead after a thunderstorm. Was he struck by lightning, or was there something more sinister to his death? Scholar Richard Sabyn, a particularly obnoxious fellow, was believed to have been struck by lightning. However, Master Wycliffe believes otherwise and calls upon Sir Hugh de Singleton for help. Sir Hugh shares Wycliffe’s suspicions and launches a private investigation, learning that it might indeed be possible to make it look as though a man has died from a lightning strike. But who would go to all that effort, and why? When fellow scholar Simon Duby dies, it raises even more questions and suspicions. What is the connection between the two men? Sir Hugh believes a bronze pot, a bucket of urine, and a small quantity of charcoal and brimstone may hold the answer. During a bleak 1375, can he survive the insidious plague and several attempts on his life as he continues his quest for truth? Mel Starr is the author of the successful Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton series. He was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, hetaught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years. Since retiring, he has focused on writing full time. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and eight grandchildren. Read more

Features & Highlights

  • 'Mel Starr has done it again with another brilliant Sir Hugh de Singleton medieval mystery to keep readers guessing until the very end. [.] I was there at the Queen's College, dining on pottage, getting soaked in the rain in fourteenth-century Oxford - Mel always draws you into the experience.' Toni Mount, author of the Sebastian Foxley murder mystery series
  • One of Master John Wycliffe’s scholars is found dead after a thunderstorm. Was he struck by lightning, or was there something more sinister to his death?Scholar Richard Sabyn, a particularly obnoxious fellow, was believed to have been struck by lightning. However, Master Wycliffe believes otherwise and calls upon Sir Hugh de Singleton for help. Sir Hugh shares Wycliffe’s suspicions and launches a private investigation, learning that it might indeed be possible to make it look as though a man has died from a lightning strike. But who would go to all that effort, and why? When fellow scholar Simon Duby dies, it raises even more questions and suspicions. What is the connection between the two men? Sir Hugh believes a bronze pot, a bucket of urine, and a small quantity of charcoal and brimstone may hold the answer. During a bleak 1375, can he survive the insidious plague and several attempts on his life as he continues his quest for truth?

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(171)
★★★★
25%
(143)
★★★
15%
(86)
★★
7%
(40)
23%
(130)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Another winner!

good addition to the Chronicles of Sir Hugh. It kept me turning the pages quickly.

I was a little disappointed at how abruptly the ending came, after a long slow burn up to the last chapter.

I was also disappointed at how there was no next book, sneak peak that is usually included. Insert sad face here...

I bought this book for my own reading pleasure and will happily pass it on to others. Highly recommend this series!
1 people found this helpful
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Fascinating Medieval mystery.

The author is a medieval scholar, and he is able to give us a glimpse of what life was like, while telling a page-turning mystery.
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Good series

Excellent series. Very well written. You feel like you are actually in the 14th century. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
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Hugh de Singleton never disappoints

Have read every one of the books in this series & have enjoyed every one. Wish Mel Starr would put out a cookbook; he describes the medieval food so tantalizingly that I would like to try some of the recipes. In the meantime, I await each new book with bated breath.
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Great Series

Melvin Starr's series about Hugh de Singleton are always great reading, and his knowledge of the period makes the books that more interesting to read. The series is chronological. One becomes involved with his family along with the mysteries de Singleton is called upon to solve.
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Wonderful fictional mystery series based on fact and thoroughly researched.

I have read all of this series of books by Mel Starr,, and I can't wait 5ill the next one. I like that he includes a map of the area he is wtiting about and a glossary of unfamiliar words. This mystery series takes place in 14th century England.
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Such a good story!

Such a good story!
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Enjoyable mystery!

Hugh receives a message from his former tutor, now friend, Master John Wycliffe, to come and investigate a suspicious death of a student. The coroner has ruled the death an accidental death by lightning strike, but Wycliffe thinks there is more to the story. Hugh arrives at Queen’s College where Wycliffe is now ensconced. His companion on his mystery-solving missions, Arthur, accompanies him. Hugh quickly concurs with Wycliffe that this death was no accident. He also learns that none of the other students are sorry their fellow student is dead. He was a bully and liked by none. He was tolerated by a few. Now, Hugh must narrow down the pool of suspects to find the murderer.
While at Oxford, word arrives that the plague has struck less than 10 miles from Bampton, Hugh’s home. He is worried about his wife and children catching this deadly disease. What he soon realizes, is that the plague has also made its way to Oxford. Hugh will experience the loss of someone close to him as a result. Another avenue of subterfuge occurring is the illegal translation of the four gospels of the Bible from Latin into English. As Hugh gets closer to the truth, he is physically attacked and injured. As he recovers, he calls on his companions to continue the investigation and catch a killer.
I look forward every autumn to reading Mel Starr’s latest Hugh de Singleton mystery. I have read the entire series and enjoyed it immensely. Visiting with Hugh in 1300s England is a treat for me. I like reading about how he steadfastly pursues every clue, plodding along and going over the same ground again and again until he discovers the one tidbit of information that will solve the mystery. Medieval mystery lovers will definitely want to check out this series. I recommend beginning with book one, The Unquiet Bones, and reading the books in order.
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Great books for all ages

These books have a great historical setting and are so fun to read. Love the entire series!